FISHKILL – A total of 47 cats and
kittens are recovering after being rescued from a hoarding situation in
Fishkill. Stray HELP, a local animal welfare group, was asked by the Dutchess
County SPCA to assist in a situation where an elderly woman had been removed
from her home following the discovery that she was living in unsanitary
conditions.
Ann LaGoy, founder of Stay HELP, said she was “completely shocked
by what she saw” when she entered the home. “There are no
words to describe the condition of the house and of the cats. Their desperation
was very evident and absolutely heartbreaking.”
Stray HELP partnered with the Dutchess SPCA, Hudson Valley SPCA, Cooperative
Foster Care Network, Katmarroon and Newburgh SCATS to remove all of the
animals into appropriate situations where they can receive medical attention.
One adult cat and two kittens died within days of their rescue. All of
the incoming animals were wormed and treated for fleas and ear mites.
Many of the cats had more severe problems including dental disease, upper
respiratory infections and eye infections.
